Utilizing Freshwater Cooling Injection for Mitigating Saltwater Intrusion and Enhancing Sustainable Groundwater Management
Session
Civil Engineering, Infrastructure and Environment
Description
This study examines the intricate relationship between thermal forcing and saltwater intrusion into nearshore aquifers in the context of climate change-induced sea level rise and increasing groundwater withdrawals due to growing demand. Using the SEAWAT code, two case studies were conducted: the Henry problem, which served as a reference scenario, and the Biscayne Aquifer in Florida, USA, a real case study. The simulation scenarios included the base case, sea level rise (SLR) impacts, and inland groundwater recharge reductions. A novel management approach, the strategy of saline water withdrawal, desalination, cooling of desalinated water, and injection into the aquifer (ADCI), was implemented to mitigate SWI in nearshore aquifers. The strategy's effectiveness was evaluated at freshwater temperatures ranging from 25 to 5°C. The results showed that freshwater recharge near the coast is susceptible to temperature fluctuations, resulting in SWI attenuation. The results of this study have significant implications for the sustainable management of groundwater resources in coastal regions to meet the increasing demand for water resources. In particular, salt retention in Biscayne exhibited remarkable variations, reaching +9.80%, +10%, +10.20%, +10.30%, and +10.50% in response to injection recharge temperature variations of 25, 20, 15, 10, and 5°C, respectively. The study highlights the need to consider thermal regime effects in future planning, design, and development of SWI mitigation measures. In addition, a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis using 3D models is warranted to evaluate the feasibility and economic viability of the proposed method for cooling water supply compared to existing techniques. This research contributes to the scientific understanding of SWI dynamics. It provides insight into sustainable groundwater management practices in coastal areas.
Keywords:
Thermal forcing, Saltwater intrusion, Nearshore aquifers, Sea level rise, Groundwater management.
Proceedings Editor
Edmond Hajrizi
ISBN
978-9951-550-95-6
Location
UBT Lipjan, Kosovo
Start Date
28-10-2023 8:00 AM
End Date
29-10-2023 6:00 PM
DOI
10.33107/ubt-ic.2023.346
Recommended Citation
Kuriqi, Alban, "Utilizing Freshwater Cooling Injection for Mitigating Saltwater Intrusion and Enhancing Sustainable Groundwater Management" (2023). UBT International Conference. 10.
https://knowledgecenter.ubt-uni.net/conference/IC/civil/10
Utilizing Freshwater Cooling Injection for Mitigating Saltwater Intrusion and Enhancing Sustainable Groundwater Management
UBT Lipjan, Kosovo
This study examines the intricate relationship between thermal forcing and saltwater intrusion into nearshore aquifers in the context of climate change-induced sea level rise and increasing groundwater withdrawals due to growing demand. Using the SEAWAT code, two case studies were conducted: the Henry problem, which served as a reference scenario, and the Biscayne Aquifer in Florida, USA, a real case study. The simulation scenarios included the base case, sea level rise (SLR) impacts, and inland groundwater recharge reductions. A novel management approach, the strategy of saline water withdrawal, desalination, cooling of desalinated water, and injection into the aquifer (ADCI), was implemented to mitigate SWI in nearshore aquifers. The strategy's effectiveness was evaluated at freshwater temperatures ranging from 25 to 5°C. The results showed that freshwater recharge near the coast is susceptible to temperature fluctuations, resulting in SWI attenuation. The results of this study have significant implications for the sustainable management of groundwater resources in coastal regions to meet the increasing demand for water resources. In particular, salt retention in Biscayne exhibited remarkable variations, reaching +9.80%, +10%, +10.20%, +10.30%, and +10.50% in response to injection recharge temperature variations of 25, 20, 15, 10, and 5°C, respectively. The study highlights the need to consider thermal regime effects in future planning, design, and development of SWI mitigation measures. In addition, a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis using 3D models is warranted to evaluate the feasibility and economic viability of the proposed method for cooling water supply compared to existing techniques. This research contributes to the scientific understanding of SWI dynamics. It provides insight into sustainable groundwater management practices in coastal areas.